Westwood available for World Cup opener

Warrington forward Ben Westwood has been given a one-match ban for a Grade B punching offence during Saturday's Grand Final defeat to Wigan, meaning he will be available for selection for England's World Cup opening game against Australia.

Westwood pleaded guilty to punching Wigan's Blake Green during the opening minutes of the Grand Final at Old Trafford and, along with the ban, has been given a £300 fine.

The 32-year-old will miss England's warm-up match against Italy on October 19, which takes place at Salford.

Westwood scored a try to give Warrington a 16-2 lead in the first half of the Grand Final, but Wigan recovered to win 30-16 and complete a league and cup double. Green was also named man-of-the-match.